WEST Dorset Swimming Club is celebrating being awarded Swim 21 Accreditation - a national benchmark of excellence created by the Amateur Swimming Association of Great Britain.

It is the fourth consecutive year that the Warriors have achieved accreditation and the club is one of only two in the county to have reached the exacting standards required.

The ASA's Regional Develop-ment Officer, Kelly Gaffney made a special visit to the club to present the award to head coach Janet Hewitt in front of 200 proud parents and swimmers.

Also joining in the celebrations were West Dorset District Councillor and president of the Warriors, Trevor Jones, Dorch-ester's Deputy Mayor, David Barratt, chairman of the Dorchester Swimming Baths Fund, Leslie Phillips, and his fellow trustee Peter Leatherdale.

On presenting the award, Ms Gaffney explained: "Swim 21 Accreditation is recognition that a club has displayed the high standards the ASA wants clubs to achieve nationwide.

"In order to attain accreditation, clubs must provide evidence of professional standards in every field of activity including Athlete Development, Child Welfare and Protection, Coaching, Administration and Finance.

"There is a great deal of hard work involved and it is a real credit to West Dorset's committee and staff that they have managed accreditation for four years in a row. They are leading by example and deserve many congratulations."

In response, Trevor Jones said: "We are all delighted that the Warriors have earned such a prestigious accolade.

"On behalf of everyone we must particularly thank Janet Hewitt and Stuart Dawson who worked tremendously hard on this project.

"The Warriors are a real asset to Dorchester and provide wonderful opportunities to the youngsters of the area."

Hewitt added her thanks to the trustees of the Dorchester Swimming Baths Fund who have recently sponsored six Warriors staff to take a swimming teachers' course.

The trustees have also agreed to pay the travel expenses of 10-year-old Stuart Ring, who is the current Deaf British Record holder for his age in the 200m individual medley and who shows great promise.

Leslie Phillips added: "We're delighted to help such a good club as West Dorset teach as many children as possible to swim.

"It does a splendid job and it's wonderful to see the club attain national recognition."